Chirping birds save two children

The chirping of two pet canaries from beneath the rubble of a destroyed house in Bam saved two children after the birds attracted the attention of rescue workers, Iran's official news agency reported yesterday.

"The two children were stuck in the debris next to their broken bird case," the Irna news agency said. "After hearing the birds singing, rescue workers went to the location and were removing the debris when they found the children."

Pet birds such as canaries and nightingales are popular in rural villages in Iran.

It was not immediately clear when the two children, who were badly injured, were found in the old town of earthquake-hit Bam. Irna said they were being treated in hospital.

The canaries were also rescued from the ruins and set free, the agency said.